Now in his second year at the helm, Blackiston is happy with the progress his team has made since.

“The feeling around camp is one of a real good anticipation,” said the Spartans head coach. “Happy with the kids, their summer work ethic and the opening of training camp was just an extension of everything we did this summer. These kids have been efficient, no bull, no problems and straight up work ethic.

“I couldn’t be happier with the attitude, the atmosphere, the whole environment the staff set and the kids have stepped up to.”

With a lot of the team returning from last year, the Spartans didn’t have to spend the beginning of camp learning a new system like they did last year.

“It’s a lot easier than last year,” said senior defensive lineman Zack Yearicks. “(The feeling around the team) is way better. The chemistry (is great), everybody is closer.

“We got way more done this year than we did last year. It’s coming along real well.”

“It feels like the team is coming together a lot quicker,” added middle linebacker Charles Butler. “Everybody is understanding everything better, and we can move through practice a lot easier and quicker.”

“From year one to year two, just the relationships that you establish, it is night and day from last year,” said Blackiston. “They got a taste of our staff and of me as a head coach last year, and they know what our expectations are and they really stepped up to them.”

“Our relationship is a lot closer and I never met a coach that cared more than he did,” added Yearicks.

The Spartans haven’t had a winning season since 2006, but with the core of veteran players playing in Blackiston’s system for a second season, they are ready to end that streak.

“Everybody’s real hyped to get back to winning again,” said Butler. “We feel like we can do a lot better than last year and we all just want to go out there and show what we got this year.”

“We have high expectations coming into the season,” added quarterback Anthony Parsons. “Trying to make it into the playoffs and bring the program back to where it needs to be.

“We know that we can go real far with this team this year because we have everybody back, and we have a lot of connection with one another so I think we’ve got a good shot of making it to the playoffs this year.”

Last year the defense allowed 22.2 points per game. But if training camp is any indication, they will be better on that side of the ball this year.

“For me previously being a defensive person, (I have) high expectations for the defense and that’s another aspect that I’m absolutely thrilled with,” Blackiston said. “They are flying to the football. Just the focus, and we really are on point right now as far as defense.”

Outside of Deptford, not many expect the Spartans to contend in South Jersey Group III (they were bumped up as part of the group realignment). And they are hoping that being overlooked is the edge they will need to be successful.

“I feel like we can have a really good year,” said cornerback Jody Ellis. “Everybody is sleeping on us, not expecting us to do much, but I have a lot of confidence and feel like we can have a great year.”